Electricity consumption in Karnataka, which is currently some 63,000 million units annually, is set to double by next decade. Keeping this in view, Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has suggested the state government to invest heavily in power generation over the next few years to match the imminent demand.
Addressing a seminar jointly organised by Indian Institute of Science and Civic here recently, KERC chairperson M R Sreenivas Murthy said: "The demand for power in the state is expected to touch 1.10 lakh million units annually by 2022. Therefore the government really needs to pull up its socks to meet that demand "
He said factors like increasing economic activity, wealth and population, an improved standard of living and infrastructure developments are all expected to underline a continuous increase in demand for power in the next decade. "It is high time the government pulled up their socks and focus on power sector to take the state forward in power generation," he added
Keeping in view of the poor response to grievance meets of escoms and meetings seeking objection over power tariff hike by the KERC, Murthy said they have also suggested all escoms to set up power consumer groups in each district of the state and hold frequent meeting with them to get necessary feedback. "Feedback from public is essential for the improvements in power sector. But unfortunately not many people are showing keen interest in giving the suggestions," he added.
Bangalore was the first city in India to get electricity. In 1906, the city was electrified with the setting up of a hydroelectric plant in Shivanasamudra. Unfortunately today we just not only lag behind in power generation but also in transmission and distribution compared to other developed states," said Sreenivas Murthy. He also said the Karnataka Electricity Act of 2003 clearly says the escoms are private companies and the government has no control over them but chief minister and energy minister are still part of the board as the chairperson and vice-chairperson respectively.
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